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Some things have to be seriously considered when renting a house or an apartment in Kenya – Nairobi or any other major town. (Real Estate transactions in Kenya need not be a nightmare) . A new house defines a new phase in a person’s life. It is exciting,yet at the same time quite a hustle in achieving the ideal dream house. One cannot just hop into the first “perfect” house in Nairobi or Mombasa you spot for rent near the road just because you need easier access to your work place. Although accessibility is a factor to consider when locating a house to move into, it cannot be the only definitive factor.

Budget: Gauge the cost of renting the house. Does it meet your financial status? If the cost of the house is too high compared to your budget, regardless of the desire to move in, you just have to let go. You need not feel the pressure to pay high rent yet you can have another house that lies within your financial range. For instance an apartment on Mombasa road or Thika road will have almost similar facilities as an apartment or town house for rent in Lavington or Kilimani and one can save on rent paid. Financial experts say one shouldn’t exceed 30% of gross income as rent.

Security: An important item to consider when renting a house in Kenya is whether or not the area is secure? The location of the house has to be in a place that records low or no cases of criminal activities. For instance, People feared Kiambu road before for rental houses but with the relocation of CID headquarters, Kiambu road and Kiambu are very safe areas.

Personal preference: is a major factor that one should consider. If ignored, this might be one thing that triggers frequent moving. Some people prefer a serene environment free from the urbanization pollution, noise and air. However, others prefer the morning train hoots, the landing planes, or the speeding motors. Such distinct preference cannot be disregarded. The family man prefers a residential estate with controlled traffic and a private setting. On the other hand, the campus lad prefers the boom boom all night long music within a free environment.

Size: Another factor is the size of the house. If one has a huge family, there is need for a big house. A house with larger rooms and probably more than one bathroom and lavatory. Additionally, since the kids have to be considered, the house has to be in a compound that has a playground. Kids cannot be kept indoors for long otherwise you are just raising the dull Jacks.

Basic amenities: like electricity, water, internet access, mobile network must be a key consideration. The new generation man cannot live without these luxurious yet basic commodities. The house must therefore be located in an area that has these things.

Fraudsters: Anyone dealing in real estate in Kenya, must never ignore conducting due diligence.Take your time to investigate and understand the deal you are getting yourself into.To do this well, you must first make sure that you have completely detached your emotions from the deal (because fraudsters almost always play on buyers’ emotions).Many Kenyans are conned daily of their hard earned money especially when renting houses because they’re made to imagine that if they don’t pay on the spot for the house it will be taken.Quacks and fake agents take advantage ofgenuinely desperate tenants.Ensure that you deal with registered and licensed agents by the Estate Agents Boards of Kenya.Fundamentally get clear proof of ownership from the landlord or Agency authority to manage from the Estate Agent of the premises before you begin to transact.

Formalise the Transaction: Any real Estate transaction in Kenya must be documented for authenticity. After proving ownership insist on a formal lease agreement for the rental unit either from the agent or land lord that will clearly define terms of engagement.Lots of Kenyans rent out houses informally only to find themselves either losing their deposit or being excessively penalized when they vacate the premises. Any residential lease over two years should be registered with the ministry of a land to secure the tenancy.

Structural soundness: When renting a house whether new or old makes sure you take time to assess the structural strength of the unit. From a layman’s view see if there are any cracks in the main supporting pillars for apartments/town houses and the wall, see if there are any light brown spots on the ceiling cover with paint which that would be revealing a leaking roof. As mentioned from the onset setting aside emotions will go a long way to avoid renting a house with a leaking roof or danger to life as happened in Makongeni Estate Nairobi December 2014 when a residential building collapsed with tenants inside.All these factors are just some highlights of the basic standards that a Kenyan moving into a new house should consider. However, there are many more factors that one considers when taking this new step right. Cardinal rule verify ownership of the property, deal with professionals and formalize in writing the transaction.Look out for my Blog next month. I will be discussing a very interesting topic on Real Estate.